comparison with other colleges, which we understand is due to the
specialised nature of marine courses. This equated to 4325 SUMs. We
understand from Senior Management at GCNS that SFC approval has
been received for the re-enrolments, although we recommend that the
SUMs representatives of the respective colleges review this area to ensure
that they are in agreement that the SUMs are being claimed in line with
relevant legislation;
c) Again in reviewing benchmarking data GCNS appears to be claiming 14%
in respect of DPG18 students against a sector average of 8.5% Again we
recommend the respective SUMs representatives of each College review
this area to ensure a consistency of approach;
d) GCNS has over delivered significantly against its SUMs target in each
year;
2.8.2 From our review of the SUMs delivery across GMC, CC and GCNS for
2008/09 we note the following points;
a) GMC is strong in Construction, Art and Design and Food Technology and
Catering. GCNS is strong in Engineering and Transport. CC is strong in
Business and Management and Computing;
b) There is scope to improve and adapt the curriculum post merger and there
are very few areas of overlap.
2.8.3 From our review in other areas we note the following:
a) GCNS statistics are strong in Early and Final student retention, however
are weak in terms of successful progression compared to sector averages;
b) GCNS has written to SFC with regard to the letter of 9 June 2009 which
principally related to collaborative provision. GMC has confirmed directly
to the SFC that it has complied with all areas in the letter;
c) GCNS has confirmed that all material contracts are in writing. We
recommend that a contracts register detailing major contracts is
maintained post merger.
2.8.4 GCNS is looking to provide a service in Luanda, Angola in conjunction with
Stena and Sonnengol in relation to Maritime Education. We are advised by
senior management that the risk to GCNS is reputational rather than financial.
GCNS will provide teaching services and quality systems, the cost of which
will be reimbursed.
2.9 Assets and Liabilities
2.9.1 The principal points to note are as follows: -
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Appendix 5: Due Diligence Executive Summaries